Wednesday, January 25, 2017

While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is willing to use all-out force in obliterating the Abu Sayyaf Group and other terror threats in Mindanao, all these efforts will be in vain if the military fails to get the support of the populace and communities in the region.

This was stressed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in a statement Wednesday.

"But while (AFP chief-of-staff) Gen. (Eduardo) Año is mustering the support of the men and women of the AFP in this focused combat operations backed by intelligence and non-lethal operations and activities, he continues to harness the support of the populace," he added.

Arevalo said the struggle against terror groups can be best won with the abiding support of the people.

The AFP public affairs office chief added that Año's decision to employ a two-pronged approach against the ASG, one militarily and one seeking community assistance and support, is in-line with the latter's self-imposed six month deadline to beat the bandit group into total submission.

"Supporters and sympathizers have to heed the higher call – which is to put premium to security and development for the good of the greater number," Arevalo concluded.

While going all-out against terror groups, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año told officers and enlisted personnel of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) to live with the honored tradition of honor, service and patriotism.

The official made this appeal during his visit to EMC headquarters in Panacan, Davao City Wednesday afternoon.

Año also encouraged the troops to adhere to the international humanitarian law, the rule of law, and respect to human rights when going about their mandated functions.

During his visit to EMC headquarters, where he was welcomed by Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero and other ranking officers of the Command, the AFP chief expounded the Development Support and Security Plan "Kapayapaan" particularly its four strategic concepts which are sustain military operations against terrorist groups, support to the peace process with peace-inclined groups, support to anti-criminality and drug syndicates, and support to national development.

Likewise, his visit provided him the opportunity to look into the present effort of the EMC in sustaining its gains for peace, and its disaster response efforts last week after a large part of CARAGA, one of its operating areas, were heavily battered by rains and floods.

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26): U.S. air contingent completes bilateral mission at Clark Air Base

Over the last two weeks, U.S. and Philippine service members trained side by side in a series of Subject Matter Expert Exchanges as part of the most recent U.S. Air Contingent, at the invitation of the Government of the Philippines and at the direction of U.S. Pacific Command.

The training provided the Philippine and U.S. service members an opportunity to practice and refine planning Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.

The Air Contingent aims to promote increased interoperability between U.S. and Filipino forces and to further enhance security cooperation and disaster response capabilities between the allies.

During this Air Contingent rotation, the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Wing and soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 5th Engineer Detachment Geospatial Planning Cell and 500th Military trained alongside Philippine airmen to employ the Eagle Vision satellite system for disaster relief operations.

Military planners use the Eagle Vision system to acquire satellite imagery to aid the planning of military operations to include disaster response.

The first rotation of the Air Contingent stood up at Clark Air Base, Philippines, in April 2016, following a joint announcement by then-Philippine Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter.

There are no strings attached to the People's Republic of China's PHP100 million (around USD14 million) weapons grant to the Philippines.

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a briefing Thursday at the DND's Social Hall in Camp Aguinaldo, said they have expressed their interest in acquiring fast boats, unmanned aerial vehicles, "flexible" rifles which can shoot around corners, sniper rifles and automatic bomb disposal equipment.

The DND chief added that China did not impose any conditions on the grant, which means the Philippines can use the weapons on any way it chooses.

He said they are still waiting for China's reply on how many of said these weapons can China supply to the Philippines.

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26): EDCA still in effect, US to start construction in 3 PHL airfields -- DND chief

The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the US is still in effect as the Americans will start constructing some facilities in Basa Air Base, Pampanga, Bautista Air Base in Palawan and Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan De Oro.

This was disclosed by Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a briefing held at the DND Social Hall, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Thursday.

"EDCA is still on and according to the Pentagon (US Department of Defense) they will start constructing some facilities in the EDCA chosen camps (like) Basa Air Base (in Pampanga), Bautista Air Base (Palawan) and Lumbia Airfield (Cagayan De Oro). I think the first camp that they will develop are facilities (that) are in Basa," he added.

Lorenzana said possible facilities that the Americans will set up are runways, buildings for their troops and storage areas for their equipment.

"They can leave the buildings there and leave and they can come back again, that is the idea of EDCA," the DND chief added.

While construction is expected this year, Lorenzana could not give an exact date on the start of the construction as it is dependent on the US budgetary allocations.

Lorenzana said President Rodrigo Duterte is aware of these plans.

"(He) is okay with this, because he earlier said that (his administration) will honor all agreements that were entered into by the previous government," he added.

The DND earlier announced that EDCA with the US will continue but it will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terror, and anti-narcotics operations.

Instead of assault rifles, the Philippines is interested in acquiring specialized military equipment from Russia.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in a press conference Thursday said the Armed Forces of the Philippines has scant need of new rifles as it has recently acquired an estimated 50,000 units of the brandnew Remington M-4 carbine thus, the AFP has pulled out from all its field units the older M-16 automatic rifles which are now stored at its various armories.

Lorenzana said these weapons can be given to reserve military and militia units if needed.

What the DND plans to acquire from Russia are sniper rifles and unmanned aerial vehicles, he added.

Earlier, Russian diplomats and military representatives have offered to sell the Philippines naval vessels, aircraft, helicopters and even diesel electric submarines.

Lorenzana said they are still evaluating these offers to determine whether the country is capable of using, maintaining and operating these equipment in the long term.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the country is now evaluating Russia's offer to sell the Philippines some of its advanced diesel-electric submarines.

The DND chief, in a press briefing Thursday, said they are now determining on whether these specialized ships are essential for the modernization needs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and whether the country can afford to acquire and maintain such an expensive weapons platform.

However, Lorenzana said Russia diesel-electrics submarines are considered to be one of the best in the world.

Six variants of the Russian-made Kilo-class submarines are now being operated by Vietnam People's Navy.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is expected to acquire its own diesel-electric class submarines during the 2nd Horizon of the AFP Modernization Program which is expected to begin this 2018 and end on 2022.

Philippine defense chief Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the leadership of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria made direct contact with Abu Sayyaf senior leader Isnilon Hapilon back in December 2016 to instruct him to find a suitable area to establish a caliphate in Mindanao.

"Mayroon silang contact ngayon (They've made contact). One of the leaders in Basilan, Isnilon Hapilon, moved to Central Mindanao allegedly on the behest of ISIS people in the Middle East to find out if Central Mindanao is more conducive to the establishment of their wilayat (caliphate)," Lorenzana said on Thursday, January 26, in a press briefing.

Citing intelligence reports, Lorenzana said ISIS finds the islands of Sulu and Basilan, where the Abu Sayyaf Group traditionally operates, too small for a caliphate."Madali sila maipit sa (They can be easily trapped in the) area," he said.

He said Isnilon appears to be considering the area of Central Mindanao and is rallying the support of the Maute Group that is based there.

Lorenzana said this is why the military has focused its operations on the terror groups there.

"Fortunately we found out that he (Isnilon) was there so we are now pursuing him," Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana said the military confirmed communications between the ISIS and Hapilon after he was monitored moving from his base in Basilan to Lanao del Norte.

Isnilon brought a small group of his men to Lanao. "Not all. He brought a small group of his people. The bulk of his men are still in Basilan. I think he went there to see if they can establish a caliphate," Lorenzana said.

The area in Central Mindanao is also a known territory of the Muslim rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that finalized a peace deal with the previous Aquino administration and is counting on the new administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to implement.

'We won't allow it'Lorenzana assured the public that the military will not allow ISIS to establish a caliphate in the Philippines.

"They want to establish cells or an Islamic province or wilayat. Now, we will see to it that they're not going to establish those kinds of organizations here," Lorenzana said.

Rappler executive editor Maria Ressa reported as early as January 2016 about an ISIS video talking about plans to create a caliphate in Mindanao. Hapilon himself had long ago sworn allegiance to the ISIS although the military said there were no direct links until now.

A ranking US military officer also recently warned against terror attacks in the Asia Pacific as ISIS loses ground in the Middle East and its combatants escape for new areas that will welcome them.

NDFP chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili (left) shakes hands with his government counterpart, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, at the end of the third round of formal peace talks in Rome as government panel members Hernani Braganza, among others, looks on. (photo by Raymund Villanueva, Kodao Productions)

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines and government ended a “difficult but successful” third round of formal peace negotiations with breakthroughs in discussions on socio-economic reforms, the second agenda of the talks to end the almost half-century long communist armed struggle.

After a week of meetings in Rome, the parties said they had achieved advances on six major issues contained in their common agenda:

Breakthrough in the discussion of socio-economic reforms and achieving understanding on its first four items, including agrarian reform and rural development

Signing of the ground rules on the work of the Reciprocal Working Committees on Socio-Economic Reforms

Exchange of drafts and initial discussions on political and constitutional reforms

Signing of supplemental guidelines on the Joint Monitoring Committee for the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law

Submission by the GRP of its proposal for a bilateral ceasefire and the parties’ agreement to discuss it in February in The Netherlands

Agreement to a fourth round of formal peace talks in Oslo, Norway in the first week of April

The parties likewise talked about the release of 392 NDFP-listed political prisoners with the government again committing to facilitate the release of the three remaining NDFP consultants -- Eduardo Sarmiento, Emeterio Antalan and Leopoldo Caloza -- through presidential clemency or other legal means.

The three have been convicted of criminal charges.

The rebel and government negotiators also discussed the possible implementation of socio-economic projects related to the Joint Agreement in Support of Socioeconomic Projects of Private Development Organizations and Institutes of March 16, 1998.

“The parties have been constructive and solution-oriented. And it is very clear to us as third party facilitators that both sides are genuinely committed to work towards achieving peace,” Royal Norwegian Government Special Envoy to the Philippine Peace Process Elisabeth Slattum said.

“Well, it has been difficult but successful. That is the only way I can describe this round,” NDFP chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili said.

Agcaoili clarified though that he expected the successful conclusion of the negotiations on the supplemental guidelines on the JMC, the tentative agreement on the PCR, the movement on the discussion on SER, as well as on its ground rules.

‘Free distribution of land’
As expected, negotiations on socio-economic reforms took center stage in Rome.

“The RWCs-SER agreed in principle to the free distribution of land to farmers and farm workers as part of the governing frame of CASER (Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms),” the joint statement the parties issued said.

“While our discussions in the past days have been exacting, we were not deterred from exploring new ways and other platforms to advance the talks,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the government’s chief negotiator, said.

The ground rules of the CASER, he added, “display our seriousness to tackle the agreement on socio-economic reforms.”

He later asked the participants and witnesses to the closing ceremony to offer a minute of prayer for the quick recovery of Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman and NDFP chief political consultant Jose Ma. Sison, who was hospitalized Tuesday night for flu.

Bello and government panel member Angela Trinidad had to leave the ceremony early to fly to Kuwait to try to save -- vainly as it turned out -- the life of Filipino worker Jakatia Pawa, who was executed there Wednesday.

The village of Kayaga in Pandag town Maguindanao held the 1st Islamic Symposium 2017 last January 20, 2017 with the theme’’ Ya tidto a Pagagama sa Islam nasu Manusiya a magalaw e pamenengan kanu kaped nin’’. Some of the best Islamic scholars were invited as lecturers.

Ustadz Maula Balasa read some verses of the Noble Quran. In his opening remarks, Barangay Chairman Abdulhamid Mangelen said, “I encourage the parents to force their children to enroll in madaris or Arabic Schools. I hope this is not the last symposium held in my barangay but I am expecting many more Islamic Symposia will follow”.

Ustadz Zainudin Gumbila Dean of Mahad Sarque, Buluan, Maguindanao emphasized that behavior of every individual is part of faith in Allah (SWT). He also mentioned the behavior of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), that Allah (SWT) did not recognized the strong faith of Rasulallah but Allah (SWT) really appreciated the characters and behaviors of Rasulallah.

The most awaited part of the program was the updates on Bangsamoro Peace Process by Ustadz Abusama A. Abad, Junior High School Program Head of Datu Ibrahim Paglas Memorial College.
“We are now in the implementation of the signed agreement between the MILF and the GPH. No more negotiation and from negotiating panel we are now in the implementing panel that will decide and work for the implementation of the four major tracks; the Tripoli Agreement, Memorandum of Agreement& Ancestral domain that declared by the Supreme Court unconstitutional in 2008, FAB and CAB signed by previous the administration,” Abad said.

Those supported the program were former Kayaga Barangay Chairman Katog Lapedsing, Councilor Faizal Talipaco, , Ustadz Malik Hasim and Ustadz Abdulrajak Salih. Around 300 participants from different sectors such as SWC, youth and the academe participated.

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Eduardo M. Año visited Eastern Mindanao Command at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City noon of January 25, 2017.

General Año was accorded with Military Honors and received by Lt. General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command.

In his visit, he comprehensively explained the new AFP Development Support and Security Plan “Kapayapaan” particularly the four strategic concepts which are the sustain military operations against terrorist groups, support to the peace process with peace-inclined groups, support to anti-criminality and drug syndicates, and support to national development.

Likewise, his visit provided him the opportunity to look into the present effort of the Command in sustaining its gains for peace, and its present disaster response after some of the Command’s area were affected by flood brought by torrential rains during the past days.

General Año also encouraged the troops to live with the honored tradition of Honor, Service and Patriotism and adhere to the International Humanitarian Law, the Rule of Law, and respect to Human Rights.

Gen. Año became a member of Team EastMinCom when he was the Commander of 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, CVP before his assumption as Commanding General of the Philippine Army.

It was also the first visit of General Año after he assumed as Chief of Staff, AFP on December 7, 2016.

Marcelino and Shou were caught in a drug buy-bust operation by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Group in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Common qualifications for aspiring Army officers and soldiers are: natural-born Filipino, at 5 feet (152.4cm) tall, single and never been married, never borne or sired a child, physically, mentally and psychologically fit for active military service, and with good moral character.

For Officer Candidates who will undergo Officer Candidate Course (OCC): holder of baccalaureate degree, 21 to 29 years of age upon admission, AFP Service Aptitude Test(AFPSAT) raw score of 71 or higher, passed the Army Qualifying Exam (AQE) & Special Written Exam (SWE), Must pass the Physical Medical Exam and Physical Fitness Test conducted in the Philippine Army thru PAOSC.

For OC who will undergo the OPC: second lieutenant in Reserve Force, Must not be over 31 years old on the date of Called to Active Duty (CAD), Holder of a baccalaureate degree, AFPSAT raw score of 71 or higher, passed AQE & SWE, pass the PME and PFT conducted in the PA thru PAOSC.

For Candidate Soldiers: with 72 units in college or if a high school graduate, must possess technical skills/talents needed by the AFP; at least 18 to 23 years old before the date of appointment as Candidate Soldier; AFPSAT score of at least 45, passed the pre-qualifying PFT and PME.

United States Pacific Air Forces (US PACAF) said Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Wing has deployed its Eagle Vision ground-based satellite imagery system with soldiers from US Army’s 5th Engineer Detachment Geospatial Planning Cell and 500th Military Intelligence Brigade for a 2-weed Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) mission in Clark Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines.

US PACAF through the 13th Expeditionary Air Squadron (EAS) has brought the Eagle Vision to Philippines on January 14. Eagle Vision is a tool the US Air Force uses to acquire unclassified, commercial satellite imagery.

Fifteen Philippine military intelligence specialists will be training with the US representatives.

“While we are here in the Philippines our concentration is on the many ways our two nations can use satellite imagery to support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) operations,” said Technical Sergeant Geofroy Erese, Eagle Vision’s Data Integration Segment non-commissioned officer-in-charge. According to Erese, satellite imagery can make a tremendous impact on the success of HA/DR operations.

“Eagle Vision has supported several bilateral training activities over the last decade. Balikatan is the most notable bilateral training activity between the Philippine and U.S. armed forces. In years past, the Philippines’ military has used maps and products produced by Eagle Vision during the training activity,” PACAF said.

“These abilities will be very useful for us in our operations. Especially to support HA/DR. Typhoons are a major influence in our country and the Philippines Air Force is relied upon to deliver relief goods. Using this advanced intel will help us support relief and rescue operations in making decisions on where and when to deliver aid,” said 1st Lt. Giovanni Macuro, a flight chief with the Philippines Air Force’s 306th Air Reconnaissance Squadron.

PCG said the objective of MARLEN exercise is to further develop the skills of PCG personnel aboard its floating assets in addressing illegal fishing activities by foreign vessels and to enhance the PCG Command and Control concept with proper communication line.

Government negotiators want Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison removed from the US list of international terrorists so that the exiled rebel leader could finally come home after 3 decades in exile.

The government panel said it will work on Sison's delisting, one of its commitments to the National Democratic Front (NDF) representing the communist rebels during the 3rd round of talks held in Rome, according to a government statement on Wednesday, January 25.

"There is basis for the US to remove the CPP and the NPA from the list since its political umbrella, the National Democratic Front, is now involved in peace negotiations with the Philippine government," the panel said in a statement.

The inclusion of the CPP and its armed wing, the New People's Army, in the international terrorist list allows the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to arrest Sison anywhere outside the territory of the European Union (EU) which has long removed him from its list of terrorists.

Sison's Philippine passport was cancelled in 1987 under President Corazon Aquino. He sought political asylum in the Netherlands, where he has been living for 3 decades.

Meeting with Duterte

Government chief negotiator Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Sison's delisting would pave the way for the planned meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and his former professor.

He said this would also allow the possible holding of peace talks in the Philippines so the public could be more involved.

Communist rebels have resumed peace talks with the Duterte administration following an impasse of 5 years. The release last year of high-profile communist personalities led to an unprecedented 5-month-old ceasefire that is so far generally holding despite a firefight over the weekend.

Duterte and Sison, who have open communication lines, have agreed to meet in a neutral Asian country as soon as the CPP chief is removed from the list of international terrorists.

The government and the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) submit drafts on key reform proposals, sign side agreements to resolve contentious issues, and schedule informal meetings to fast-track the completion of a peace deal

SUCCESSFUL 3RD ROUND. Negotiators of the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines declare the 3rd round of talks in Rome a success. Photo from OPAPP

Talks to end Asia's longest-running communist insurgency made significant headway in Rome, Italy, despite clashes on the ground and in the negotiating table, with the 2 opposite panels looking forward to the next round of talks in April.

The government and the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) submitted drafts on key reform proposals, signed side agreements to resolve contentious issues, and scheduled informal meetings to fast-track the completion of a peace deal.

The government panel also believe it averted the threat of the communist New People's Army withdrawing its 5-month-old unilateral indefinite ceasefire declaration following the death of a New People's Army (NPA) combatant in a firefight with state forces in North Cotabato over the weekend.

"It is more successful than I thought. Marami kami na-achieve ngayon (We achieved a lot in this round)," Coni Ledesma, panel member of the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines, told GMA News in a Facebook Live interview during the closing ceremony held past 5 pm in Rome on Wednesday, January 25 (after midnight Thursday in Manila). It was delayed by 2 hours because of disagreements on the language of the joint statement.

Sison, who participated in the talks in Rome, was absent at the closing ceremony. He was hospitalized Tuesday night, January 24, but is recovering well, said Ambassador Elisabeth Slattum, the Norwegian facilitator of the talks, during the ceremony.

CASER, CAPCR
A key development is the signing of ground rules for discussions on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER).

Considered the "heart and soul" of the peace process, it envisions a roadmap to end widespread poverty in the Philippines by overhauling the country's social and economic policies. The NDF is pushing for the free distribution of land, for example.

The government also submitted its draft on the Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reform (CAPCR). The NDF seeks to be a partner of President Rodrigo Duterte in forming his proposed federal republic.

CASER and CAPCR are the 2nd and 3rd, respectively, of the total 4 substantive agenda to be completed before a final peace deal is achieved.

The first substantive agenda, Comprehensive Agreement on Respect on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), was signed in 1998. Talks have been on and off for the last 3 decades.

The NDF said it sees the possible completion of CASER and CAPCR talks within the year, the shift to a federal system by 2018, and the signing of a final peace deal by 2020 after the successful implementation of CASER and CAPCR. (READ: NDF not ready to sign peace deal before 2020)
The Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and the Disposition of Forces (CAEHDF) is the final stage in the peace process.

Bilateral ceasefire deal
The panels failed to sign a bilateral ceasefire deal, which the government panel wanted to accomplish in Rome. It was originally scheduled for signing in October 2016 but it was repeatedly deferred because of delays in the release of 400 political prisoners.

But the NDF agreed to discuss the bilateral ceasefire deal next month, February, in The Netherlands after initially refusing to even calendar the issue.

Governent chief negotiator Secretary Silvestre Bello III believes that this development means both sides will hold the 5-month-old ceasefire – which the NDF threatened to withdraw – despite the clashes in Makilala, North Cotabato over the weekend.

“Otherwise, what’s the idea of discussing a bilateral ceasefire?” Bello said. Besides, he claimed that the lifting of the ceasefires because of the firefight in Makilala was never mentioned.

Bello argued the North Cotabato clashes underscore the urgency of signing a bilateral ceasefire agreement.

The military claimed they were running after an armed group extorting from local businessmen and didn't know they encountered communist guerillas in Makilala. The NDF said the military was really hunting down communist rebels.

The proposed bilateral ceasefire deal imposes common rules for the military and the NPA in order to avoid misencounters on the ground. It will define hostile acts and determine buffer zones, for example.

Joint Monitoring Committee
The negotiators also activated the languishing Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) that is supposed to monitor and investigate human rights abuses of security forces and communist rebels.

They signed supplemental guidelines that will make the JMC fully operational, thanks primarily to funding from Norway, the third party facilitator of the talks.

The JMC is a mechanism under the first substantive agenda of the peace talk, the CARHRIHL.
Rights group Karapatan claimed reporting up to 4,000 human rights violations committed by state forces since the administration of President Gloria Arroyo.

JASIG
The 2 panels decided to discuss the bilateral ceasefire deal in The Netherlands next month because they will really need to be there to deposit the identification documents of 87 rebel leaders who are to be covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

These 87 rebel leaders will be immune from government arrest.

The list may only be opened when one of the names in the list is captured in order to verify that he or she, being an NDF consultant, should be released.

Bello will be able to verify that the NDF deposited actual list of names of its members in the underground. He will be given access to 5 random names in the JASIG list before it is deposited in a safety deposit box of a bank in The Netherlands.

(UPDATED) The former president insists there was no US involvement and it was former SAF commander Getulio Napeñas who is to be blamed for the ill-fated operation

RESPONSE. Former president Benigno Aquino III breaks his self-imposed one-year ban to respond to the tirades of President Rodrigo Duterte on the bloody Mamasapano incident. File photo by Malacañang Photo Bureau

Breaking his self-imposed one-year rule before speaking out, former president Benigno Aquino III responded to the tirades of President Rodrigo Duterte over the botched Mamasapano operation.(READ: Inside Mamasapano: When the bullets ran out)"Nangako po akong manahimik ng isang taon. Pero nitong Martes, nagsalita si Pangulong Duterte. Sa pakiwari ko: Tama lang po na tumugon ako," Aquino said in a statement on Thursday, January 26. (I promised to keep quiet for a year. But on Tuesday, President Duterte spoke about this. In my opinion, it is just right to respond to his statements.)

“Sa pagtatapos, kung may kasalanan po ako bilang Pangulo nung panahong iyon, ito po: ni minsan, hindi pumasok sa isip kong magagawa ni Napeñas na magsinungaling sa Pangulo ng Pilipinas,” Aquino said. (In the end, if there is one fault I had as President at that time, it is this: not once did it enter my mind that Napeñas would lie to the President of the Philipppines.)

Aquino answered point by point the accusations of Duterte. He recounted his orders to Napeñas to ensure the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines before the operation, which the latter did not follow, the President alleged. (READ: Aquino: Napeñas 'tricked me' on Mamasapano)

Aquino also stood by his earlier claims that Napeñas lied to him when he said that there would be 160 seaborne operatives to combat at least 3,000 armed opponents. Post-operation investigation, however, showed there were only 54 operators out of the 70 members who joined the police operation.

“Alam na po natin ang nangyari: Ang atas para mag-coordinate na dapat “days before”, naging “time after target,” gaya ng sinabi na rin ng Senate Committee Report. Dahil walang coordination, ang AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines], nagkandarapa, dahil yung mga detalyeng dapat alam nila, gaya ng sino ang tutulungan at saan, saka pa lang nila inaalam,” Aquino said. (We know what happened: the order to coordinate which was supposedly 'days before,' became 'time after target,' like what the Senate Committee Report said. BEcause there was no coordination, the AFP scrambled, because the details they should have known, like who to help and where, they knew of only later on.)

The BOI report said there were no armed US troops in the area but there were 6 Americans at the tactical command post during the operation providing “real-time information.”

Responding to Duterte’s question on who got the $5 million-reward, Aquino said he does not know where it went: “Hindi po natin masabi, dahil hindi naman po natin reward ito. Sa totoo lang ho, hindi na rin tayo nakialam sa reward.” (We can't tell, because it is not our reward. In fact, we did not even bother with the said reward.)

Wrong context?
In his speech before the families of the 44 slain heroes, Duterte recalled his meeting with then-president Aquino in Zambaonga City on the day of the operation.

Then a mayor, Duterte said he had been invited by Aquino to a meeting at the Edwin Andrews Airbase, as he was incidentally in the city.

Duterte told the victims’ families that Aquino was going "back and forth" with "unexplainable" facial expressions.

Duterte said he was pissed by one of the reactions of Aquino in the command conference on the Mamasapano clash.

“Umupo ka tapos sinabi mo sa general, ‘Kung ikaw ang nandoon ano ba ang dapat gawin?’ You know Mr. President, I will not characterize your behavior, but you have noticed that I just stood and I said, ‘Mr. President, medyo hilong-hilo pa ako sa byahe, can I beg the indulgence to leave?’” Duterte said in a speech in Malacañang. (You sat down and told a general, 'If you were there what would you have done?' You know Mr. President, I will not characterize your behavior, but you have noticed that I just stood and said, 'Mr. President, I'm still dizzy from traveling, can I beg the indulgence to leave?')

“Bakit? Patay na tapos may tanungin ka na isang general na anong dapat mong gawin kung nandoon ka? I’m really sorry to say, I’d be honest and you can criticize me for this -- this is a democracy and you can also -- I was really pissed off. Sinenyasan ko si Bong [Go] sabi ko umalis tayo dito.” (Why? There were casualties already, then you would still ask a general what he would have done if he were there? I'm eally sorry to say, I’d be honest and you can criticize me for this -- this is a democracy and you can also -- I was really pissed off. I signaled Bong Go, told him, let's leave.)

But Aquino denied this, explaining the context of his statement.

“Nung nasa Zamboanga kami, sinabihan akong pagabi na; mahihirapan nang mag-link up ang mga tropa; at bukas na lang itutuloy ang pagsaklolo sa kanila. Doon ako sumagot: “Kung ikaw ang nandoon, okay ba sa iyo yan? Buong araw na silang nakikipagbakbakan; malamang wala na silang bala. Gamitin ninyo lahat ng assets. Ituloy ito at i- rescue sila. Ang minimum na ireport ninyo sa akin, na-resupply sila. Inatasan ko ang mga opisyal ng AFP at PNP na gawin ang lahat para sa objective nilang mailigtas ang SAF,” Aquino said. (When we were in Zamboanga, I was told around early evening: it would be hard to link up with the troops and we'll resume the rescue operations in the morning. I then answered 'If you were there, would it be okay for you? They have been fighting the whole day; by this time they would have spent all their bullets. Use all assets. Continue and rescue them. The minimum that you should report to me is that they have been resupplied. I told AFP and PNP officials to do everything to save the SAF.)

He also dismissed Duterte’s criticism questioning him for entering into an operation “which really placed in jeopardy the lives because at the end of the day, [Aquino] would have decided not to send [troops] anymore.”

“Mali po ang premise na papapasukin ko sila at bahala na sila sa buhay nila. May mga testigo, kung saan idiniin kong dapat makipag-coordinate ang PNP sa AFP, at ang koordinasyon, dapat ilang araw bago ipatupad ang operasyon,” Aquino said. (It is a wrong premise that I'll let them enter and leave them alone. There are witnesses who can tell I emphasized the coordination between the PNP and the AFP, and that the coordination shuld be done days before the operation.)

The cross border trade between Sabah, Malaysia and island provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be reopened on February 1, almost a year after it was shut down, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) secretary Abdul Khayr Alonto announced on Wednesday.

Alonto told “Wednesdays at Habi at Kape” at the Abreeza Mall that no less Musa Aman, Chief Minister of Sabah, made the announcement regarding the lifting of the trade embargo after a string of kidnapping incidents involving Malaysian victims by the Abu Sayyaf Group in the island provinces.

“As per announcement by the chief Minister of Sabah, starting February 1, the ban on doing the economic activities will be lifted. Sabah is open once again to our Muslim/Filipino traders going to that part of Malaysia,” he said.

The ARMM is composed of five provinces: Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in the mainland, and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, which are often referred to as “BASULTA.”

Alonto said the reopening of the cross border trade will involve the three island provinces but will eventually expand to other territories of the ARMM, and even to General Santos City.

He said that the armed conflicts did not only affect barter between Sabah and the island provinces but also crippled the economic activities of the constituents there.

“The behavior of some individuals, you know – kidnapping and beheading – the inhumanity in this kidnap for ransom affected not only the free trade but economic activities, their livelihood,” he said.

Alonto also disclosed plans of putting up a consular office in Kota Kinabalu to attend to the needs of the Filipino Muslims there.

“Without prejudice to the Sabah claim, we will operate in Kota Kinabalu, within that complex also we will try to put up the consular office activities to take good care of our people in Sabah and attend to their requirements, including passport,” he said.

The secretary is also optimistic about the developments happening around Mindanao, most specifically the launch of the roll on/roll off (RORO) vessels between General Santos City in Mindanao and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and Manado in Indonesia during the 30th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit.

The Philippines is chairing the ASEAN this year.

Alonto added that he asked for a grace period from their Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts to allow the boat operators here to convert their vessels into metal vessels from boat hulls to be able to ply the route.

Backdoor no more
Alonto vowed to work harder to make Mindanao as the gateway of the Philippines by increasing its participation in the BIMP-EAGA.

“BIMP-EAGA, in fact, could very well be an instrument to restore Mindanao once again as the gateway of the Philippines to the BIMP-EAGA countries and to the world and to China… Mindanao was the gateway but after all these decades with policies that we imposed on Mindanao, it was referred to as the backdoor. This time, Mindanao is no backdoor and we will work it out as the gateway,” he vowed.

He said that they will strive to work on improving the connectivity among members of the BIMP-EAGA to serve as the pillar of the ASEAN.

Alonto pointed out that naval security forces within the territorial waters off the three ARMM island provinces must be strengthened to protect the civilians and potential investors from possible threats like terrorism.

“We are also asking our legislators and Congress to increase the budget of the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] for the establishment and strengthening and enhancing the development of a naval station in Tawi-Tawi. The presence of a strong naval station will create that sense of security and peace in the area,” he said.

Alonto added that when there is a semblance of peace in the area, it will encourage the businessmen “from both sides of the sea, to be active in pursuit of business, legitimate and bigger business while they are safe,” he said.

“We teamed up with Mayor Gregorio Gue of Quezon local government unit, Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Education—with their Alternative Learning System (ALS) teachers—in order to reach out those who are in most remote areas,” he said.

The training module is good for 45 days with BUSCO Academy (Bukidnon Sugar Milling Company), as host school, in Barangay Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon,

Once completed, students will have opportunities to find jobs and can further enhance their skills for searching better job opportunities when they enrol in TESDA’s computer courses under the agency’s scholarship program.

In an interview, a 37-year-old Manobo tribe enrollee, Gregoria Layo-an, of Poblacion Quezon, Bukidnon said: “I am very grateful to 8IB, the 403rd Brigade, and to everyone who are with us today for giving me this opportunity to learn how to use a computer. Honestly, I feel anxious because this is going to be my first time to use a computer unit. Nevertheless, I feel so happy that this is going to happen now. I’m hopeful that I will succeed."

In a statement, Col. Eric C. Vinoya, 403rd Infantry Brigade Commander, assured the Lumad community of the army’s commitment to help uphold indigenous people’s rights through capacity development programs in cooperation with LGUs and other government agencies.

"Your 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade will remain dedicated in facilitating capacity development programs for our Lumad brothers such as this Computer Literacy Training. Our aim is to resolve local issues that breed conflict particularly in Lumad communities. We identify these issues through our Bayanihan Team Activities. One of the common issues that we identified is capacity development. This Computer Literacy Training is actually a testament of the true intentions of our troops who are deployed in various communities here in Bukidnon and are conducting Bayanihan Team Activities. Contrary to what other people say, our Bayanihan Teams are not there to sow conflict and intimidate people, as it is aimed at resolving local issues," Vinoya stressed.

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) continues to advocate for peace in the region through investing in infrastructure projects that would respond to the needs of the once conflict-inflicted Mamasapano town in Maguindanao.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman reiterated that infrastructure projects are also a key to wiping poverty in Mamasapano.

The encounter between government forces and revolutionary groups in Mamasapano two years ago today, Jan. 25, has been horrific for local residents but the tragedy has become an opportunity for the government to respond to the community’s needs.

A series of site inspections were conducted to continually identify the needed services of the community for education, health services, and other community welfare services such as water supply and road networks.

To help Mamasapano residents improve their lives, the regional government has earmarked P667 million for infrastructure to be constructed within the municipality, including high-impact projects.

These projects provide greater impacts in the community including: opportunity for economic growth and community connectivity through intra-barangay and inter-barangay roads; job opportunities for construction workers; better education and learning experiences through school building projects; greater access to government services through community health centers; and lesser threat of water-borne and sanitation caused diseases through water sanitation and water supply projects, among others.

Different programs and instrumentalities of the ARMM government have poured investments in conflict-inflicted towns such as the ARMM’s Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance and Synergy (ARMM-HELPS), and ARMM’s Humanitarian and Development Action Plan (ARMM-HDAP).

ARMM-HELPS is a convergence initiative of the regional government and is regarded as the centerpiece of the Hataman administration. In Mamasapano alone, ARMM-HELPS implemented various projects in Barangay Tukanalipao and Barangay Libutan.

In Barangay Tukanalipao, projects worth roughly P8 million were completed including construction of health center, water sanitation, barangay hall, community learning center and solar drier.

While in Barangay Libutan, P9-million worth of projects are still on-going such as the renovation of a health center, construction of barangay hall, market, water system, and community learning center.

To date, the construction of one storey two-classroom units in Hadji Kalaing Elementary School and Hadji Salik Kalaing National High School as well as the construction of Tukanalipao footbridge and concreting of Tukanalipao access road has been completed.

“Other infrastructure projects in Mamasapano are still on-going,” Engr. James Mlok, head of ARMM’s 2nd district engineering office said.

Anwar Upahm, ARMM-HELPS executive director, said Governor Hataman wants an increase not only in infrastructure investments in Mamasapano but also livelihood programs.

“Due to the incident, the governor together with the concerned line agencies formulated a comprehensive plan that will immediately aid the needs of the people in the area. It encompasses not just Mamasapano but also its neighboring areas,” said Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, Regional Planning and Development Office executive director and ARMM- HDAP project manager.

The ARMM-HDAP primarily focuses on providing humanitarian assistance and various government initiatives relative to development such as livelihood, infrastructure, health facilities, education, and others.

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 25): Barter Trade between the Southern Mindanao Islands and Sabah to resume

Mindanao Development Authority chair Abul Kayr Alonto bared that trade with Sabah, Malaysia opens again in February 1, 2017.

Speaking at the Habi at Kape press forum, he said that as per announcement made by the chief minister of Sabah, Malaysia has lifted the ban of doing business with the Philippines Islands of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The Malaysian government introduced a trade ban between Sabah and the Philippines in March 2016 following a series of kidnapping of Malaysian sailors allegedly carried out by the Abu Sayyaf in the waters between Sabah in Malaysia and Tawi-tawi in the Philippines.

Alonto said the barter trade will be revived with the positive response by Malaysia lifting the economic embargo imposed on the island provinces.

He said that looking back, the inhumanity of the kidnapping industry has affected greatly the economic activities of the people.

“Sabah is open once again to our Muslim-Filipino traders going to that part of Malaysia,” Alonto said.

He said the barter trade will operate in the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-tawi area and will go eventually to the territories of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao through the Mindanao Economic Development corridor including General Santos City.

The United States Agency for International Development-Be Secure Project will be gathering members of media for a forum on water security and climate change, February 8 in Manila.

The media partners will come from various project locations of USAID-Be Secure Project and will gather at the Dusit Thani Hotel for a discussion of the current water security and climate change challenges.

A program overview of the forum said that media as partners for change can raise the issues on water scarcity and bring attention to their solutions, and inspire people to take action.

Mona Greiser, chief of Party, USAID-Be Secure Project, said in the media invitation, that the forum is a support to journalists in interpreting complex issues on water security and climate change.

“The forum also seeks to motivate more active reporting on these issues and solutions for public awareness, advocacy and policy change,” Greiser said in the letter.

The USAID-Be Secure Project, or Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability, is working with various stakeholders at the national level and in six focal areas around the country to improve water security and resilience to community.

Iloilo is among the local areas served, and the Philippine Information Agency-6 has been a partner in the information dissemination efforts.

The Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) have agreed to separately discuss the bilateral ceasefire when both negotiating panels meet in February in time for the depositing of identification documents of rebel leaders who are to be covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Unable to include the joint ceasefire agenda during the opening of the 3rd round of talks here in Rome, the GRP got the NDF to finally table it for discussion after a formal submission and acceptance on the part of rebel negotiators.

The meeting for the bilateral ceasefire will be held in Utrecht, according to GRP chief peace negotiator and labor secretary Silvestre Bello III.

This developed after the NDF made a commitment to respond to the GRP draft bilateral proposal, which they officially received on Tuesday afternoon during the 4th day of the peace negotiations in Rome, Italy.

NDF chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili said they will study the draft government proposal and will submit their own draft.

“They received then they initialed the draft and they proposed that, for discussion of our proposed draft, they will have to come back (in The Netherlands) on the 22nd or 24th of February,” Bello said.

He added that the meeting could last up to three days. The government side immediately welcomed the development.

"The fact that they agreed to discuss it (bilateral ceasefire) is a positive development of the [peace] process,” said.

Bello said he is confident that the commitment of the NDF to the peace process will continue to hold the separate unilateral ceasefire declaration, which the rebels have earlier hinted they are seriously considering to withdraw from.

“Otherwise, what’s the idea of discussing a bilateral ceasefire?” said Bello.

He added that there was never mention about lifting the unilateral ceasefire during the unscheduled meeting following the armed encounter in Makilala, North Cotabato that left one rebel dead.

Bello said the Makilala incident should push both panels to pursue a bilateral ceasefire in order to direct complaints on violations and prompt fact-finding and investigation by a third party monitor.

The ongoing unilateral ceasefire is the longest that the armed forces of both contending parties have maintained, now on its fifth month, in the history of the armed conflict between the government and the NDF.

The government has been pushing for a more formal and secure bilateral ceasefire agreement to provide the atmosphere conducive to the peace negotiations.

A bilateral ceasefire can be reached and signed on or before the 4th round of negotiations set in April in Oslo, Norway according to both panels.

Negotiating panels from both sides agreed to expand the agenda of the February special meeting after intense back channeling by panel members from both sides after the NDF initially declined to include the bilateral ceasefire in the agenda of the 3rd round of talks.

Bello and the rest of the panel are going to the Netherlands next month to witness the depositing of the names and proper identification of a sealed document that will contain the names of 87 NDF leaders who will be immune from government arrests.

The new JASIG list was supposed to have already been deposited as early as October last year but the NDF said some technical problems bogged down the process.

NDF chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili said it was compounded by the unavailability of the bishop who will act as custodian of the JASIG list.

The JASIG list contains the real identification of the NDF consultants who have assumed names and aliases and are to be immune from government arrest.

Bello is the only panel member who will be given access to 5 random names in the JASIG verification list for verification before it is deposited in a safety deposit box of a still to be named bank in The Netherlands.

The list will only be opened by both parties if a listed NDF member is captured by police and government security operatives. The arrest of alleged JASIG covered NDF consultants have led to the collapse of previous talks between the GRP and the NDF. (OPAPP)

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25): BRP Andres Bonifacio in GenSan for 3-day open house

The Philippine Navy’s third frigate-class warship, BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), arrived here on Wednesday for a three-day open house and public showcase.

The newly-acquired warship docked at the Dole Philippines wharf in Barangay Calumpang here and was formally welcomed by city officials led by Mayor Ronnel Rivera in an arrival ceremony at past 10 a.m..

Lt. James Reyes, public affairs officer of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, said the frigate’s visit here is part of its nationwide tour and “shakedown mission” that started in Cebu City last January 13.

Before arriving here, he said the warship already visited the cities of Iligan and Zamboanga. Its next stop will be the port of Davao City.

“We’re here to showcase and bring our newest frigate closer to the public. People will now have a chance to personally see it, explore what’s inside and interact with the crew. This is open to everyone,” he said.

Reyes said the open house will start at 2 p.m. Wednesday and will continue until Friday, January 27.
He said they have set up a holding area for visitors at the Mindanao Polytechnic College campus here, where a shuttle bus will ferry them to the wharf and back every 45 minutes.

The official said Navy officials decided to stage a public tour for the frigate “as we need to show that the Navy is the ship and ship is the Navy.”

He said the tour is also aimed to test the seaworthiness and endurance of the ship, which is mainly capable of staging “maritime interdiction operations” or patrols in the high seas.

Being a “cutter” warship, Reyes said it could navigate through rough seas and cut through huge waves.

He said the ship, which is manned by 180 officers and crew, is also equipped with an “Oto Melara” gun or cannon, which he described as capable of taking out moving targets at sea.

“Being a frigate, it has hangar for helicopters. So it could also cater to the marines and other contingents of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

The warship arrived from the United States in early December after being acquired by the government under the Excess Defense Articles and the Foreign Assistance Act.

From 1967 to 2016 the ship was a Hamilton-class high endurance cutter of the United States Coast Guard that was named USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) and was decommissioned in early 2016.

Aside from the open house, Reyes said they will hold an exhibit and recruitment activities on Thursday for Navy active service and reservists at the SM mall here.

The exhibit will feature gears, weapons and disaster response equipment of the naval special operations group or the “Philippine Navy SEALS.”